Usagi Drop ED Single – High High High – Review
| Album Title: | High High High |
|---|---|
| Anime Title: | Usagi Drop |
| Artist: | Kasarinchu |
| Catalog Number: | ESCL-3737 |
| Release Type: | OP/ED Single |
| Release Date: | July 27, 2011 |
| Purchase at: | CDJapan |
| Track Title | Artist | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. High High High | Kasarinchu | 4:41 |
| 2. Yamerare nai Tomare nai | Kasarinchu | 4:23 |
| 3. Sha La Ossan | Kasarinchu | 3:07 |
| 4. Kimi ga Omoide ni Naru Mae ni | Kasarinchu | 5:15 |
Review: In the hustle and bustle of our lives, we hear everything except our own hearts. We rush through one assignment after another, one day after another, hardly ever given the opportunity to listen to ourselves and get in touch with our surroundings.
“High High High” symbolises the image of utopia most of us hold: to get away from the frenzy and just take to nature, leaving behind all our woes and doubts. The warmth behind the vocalist’s voice highlights the bliss in immersing himself in the most primordial joys, from the sound of the waves, to the wind on his face, to just listening to his favourite song on the radio with his companion beside him. Nearing the end however, we get a sense that even this joy is but mere escapism, making way for the second track in this single.
“Yamerarenai Tomarenai,” unlike the A-side, is one more grounded in reality, expressing the frustration we all have with the same routine, day after day, giving us little room for a breather. Starting with a messy and cacophonous beatboxing, the vocalists’ entries are tinged with gloom and irritation. In the chorus section though, we get a realisation that it is not whether we have the opportunity to pursue our passion, but in making that opportunity, and in making meaning behind our daily chores. The secret to happiness, it seems, is not in our environment but in our perspective.
In the next track, “Sha La Ossan,” we find ourselves back in the carefree world, but this time, in the role of a middle-aged man who still has the heart of a youth, living out his life without restraints in an attempt to break free of the mould crafted by society. After this upbeat track, we are once again swept into melancholy with a song that reminisces on the days past, and the friends whom we have lost touch with. The knowledge that eventual parting is often inevitable makes it even more painful, as one tries to live through all the precious moments one last time before saying goodbye.
With the heartfelt and unpretentious way the songs are put across, listeners can easily make an emotional connection with each of the songs, especially when the themes are so close to our own hearts. By acknowledging our sentiments subtly, by letting us know that there are still many beautiful things in this world we can lose ourselves in, this single is arguably the closest thing to getting out of the rat race for just a moment.
Rating: Excellent
Usagi Drop ED – High High High
These days, I find it almost impossible to really be able to relax for an extended time. There’s always something lurking in the back of my mind: a responsibility, some paperwork, things I have to take care of soon… etc etc.
But for the brief 1-2 minutes at the end of every Usagi Drop episode, the ED does help to unwind me a lot.
It’s a nice song, though I prefer the Opening to Usagi Drop, it’s more playful. I think the whole 5(ish) minutes would be needed to make me relax and unwind in any case.
Ah, yes! I loved this ED. It’s a lot like the OP for this show, which starts out unassumingly and rather unexciting, but turns out to be really special and moving. And is it just me, or does it seem like the manga-ka herself drew that cover?
@Yi
I totally agree with that. Sometimes I just get sick of it that I need to take a break from all that and just not think about anything… And finding a good song is probably the least destructive path lol
@Fumoffu!!
I actually didn’t find the opening as appealing, maybe cause of the vocals… For me, the 1:30 ED definitely won’t be enough if I need to take a break, so I’ll just go through the whole single. =D
@Aftershok
I would think so, seeing that it does look exactly like the anime. =) There are also other covers available, though I selected this cause it may seem more familiar to our readers.
Wasn’t sure where to ask is so I’ll just ask here.
I was wondering what the status was for the next composer of the month post. I know you planned on having it out by mid-July so I was just wondering if it’s still an active project.
@Random
A bit on a hiatus right now since a combination of real life commitments have stepped in the way. Plus, it doesn’t help that we have Kenji Kawai up next. And he’s composed a lot of music. Not only that, but a lot of music many of us are having a hard time really getting into.
(The video was removed, by the way.)
It’s always nice to see songs that just reflect on life, and do it without intellectualizing the reflection – sometimes, there’s just not much to look back on.
It’s funny, I usually associate a relaxing song with being smooth and gentle, while this is so lively, yet it’s still relaxing.
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